It's back to defense for Smith with injuries continuing to mount for the Detroit Red Wings. Coach Mike Babcock said Wednesday that Smith would return to his normal position after filling in at forward Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Smith was subbing for Justin Abdelkader, who suffered a lacerated leg Sunday at Chicago. But after Jonathan Ericsson suffered a broken finger against the Maple Leafs, Smith returned to defense for the remainder of the game.

Ericsson had surgery on Wednesday on the middle finger of his left hand to stabilize a fracture and repair a partially torn tendon. He's expected to be out for 4-6 weeks.

The Red Wings recalled defenseman Adam Almquist, who has 45 points in 60 games with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids (Mich.) Griffins.

Smith will take Ericsson's spot on the top defensive pairing with Niklas Kronwall for Thursday's game against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.

Losing Ericsson against the Penguins, who feature one of the NHL's best offenses and league points leader Sidney Crosby, isn't exactly a recipe for success with the Red Wings outside and looking in on the playoff race.